Jams

From OLPC

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What is an OLPC Jam?

An OLPC Jam is a creative event designed to encourage (simultaneously) experimentation and innovation in the field participants are Jamming in and to produce open-license content for the OLPC project in a short amount of time. Experienced, prepared participants work in small teams to collaborate with domain and local experts and produce a concrete product to a pre-specified problem; the creative output of the event is deployed in the field directly after the Jam. It's high-intensity improvisational fun - some participants say they've never created in such a productive development environment before.

Unconference: In the tradition of Barcamp, the weekend of 7 June, dedicated towards community-organization, and initiatives, events, structures, and best practices. contact Mel Chua at mel at laptop.org for more information.

Bootcamp: OLPC is also hosting a bootcamp and conference from 9–12 June 2008 in Cambridge, MA (Please contact Mel for more information.)

Grassroots Jam: New York City on 14–15 June 2008, run by the bootcamp attendees.

Find a venue. Definitely the hardest part of the process. Venue donations are ideal!

Pick a date. Once you've got a place picked out, figure out when you want your event to happen. We've tended to try to hold Barcamps simultaneous with other events to mix up the attendee pool -- since you'll draw from both local and out-of-towners. What's most important is that it's convenient for you and works for your community.

Communicate. Blog, Email, IRC, wiki and document everything! Seriously, the more transparent and communicative you are about your Barcamp, the more successful you'll be.

Say what you need. Participants can be helpful and giving -- but if they don't KNOW that you need a few extra dollars to cover catering lunch/breakfast, t-shirts, whatever, then they can't step up to the plate and help. Remember: everyone participates. So, give everyone the information they need to be able to participate!